Italy is once again opening its doors to foreign workers, and this time all eyes are on 16 February, when the long-anticipated Click Day for non-seasonal work permits under the Decreto Flussi 2026 officially begins. For thousands of applicants and Italian employers alike, this is not just another administrative deadline—it is a race against time. This all indeed means, in a system where minutes can determine opportunity, preparation is everything.
The Click Day on 16 February is dedicated specifically to non-seasonal work visa applications. Unlike seasonal quotas—which typically cover short-term agricultural or tourism work—this window is reserved for foreign nationals seeking more stable and long-term employment in Italy. Non-seasonal permits allow workers to enter Italy for ongoing roles in key sectors where labor shortages continue to affect the economy.
Under the Decreto Flussi 2026, the non-seasonal quota primarily covers occupations in:
- construction,
- transport and logistics,
- mechanics,
- shipbuilding,
- telecommunications,
- food processing,
- hospitality management, and
- certain industrial sectors.
It also includes specific categories such as truck drivers, heavy machinery operators, welders, electricians, plumbers, and skilled factory workers. Compared to seasonal workers—who might stay only a few months—non-seasonal workers are recruited for positions that require continuity, training, and long-term integration into Italian companies.
There is a clear distinction between seasonal and non-seasonal Click Days. Seasonal applications are often spread across multiple dates and typically attract agricultural employers preparing for harvest cycles. In contrast, the 16 February Click Day is targeted at businesses that require sustained labor throughout the year. This difference matters: non-seasonal quotas are often more competitive because they provide a pathway to longer residence and professional stability.
The application process itself is entirely digital and employer-driven. Foreign workers cannot independently apply. Instead, the Italian employer must submit the application on the worker’s behalf through the official online portal of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. Employers must first register on the government system and complete a pre-application phase before Click Day. This pre-loading stage is critical, as it allows employers to prepare documentation in advance.
On 16 February, once the portal opens, employers must electronically submit the finalized application. The system operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated quota is exhausted. This is why it is commonly referred to as “Click Day”—applications are processed in chronological order based on submission time. In previous years, quotas were filled within hours, sometimes even minutes, which means timing and technical preparation are decisive factors.
Required documentation generally includes:
- A valid job offer or employment contract proposal
- Proof that the employer meets income and compliance requirements
- The worker’s passport details
- Confirmation that the position fits within the approved occupational categories
Once the application is accepted within the quota, the local immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) reviews it. If approved, the worker receives authorization to apply for a visa at the Italian consulate in their home country. Only after obtaining the visa can the worker travel to Italy and sign the residence contract.
What makes the 16 February Click Day particularly significant is the growing demand for skilled labor in Italy. The country’s aging population and expanding infrastructure projects have intensified the need for qualified foreign workers. Compared to past decrees, the 2026 framework reflects a more structured effort to fill long-term workforce gaps rather than short-term seasonal shortages.
However, competition remains intense. Employers often rely on consultants or immigration professionals to ensure fast and error-free submission. A minor technical mistake or delayed click can mean missing the quota entirely. In this sense, the system favors preparation and digital readiness as much as it does professional qualifications.
Furthermore, for foreign workers, the opportunity is substantial but conditional. Without a sponsoring employer in Italy, there is no path to apply. This contrasts with countries that allow direct worker applications or points-based systems. Italy’s model places responsibility squarely on businesses to identify talent first and then compete within national limits.
Overall, as 16 February approaches, preparation—not hope—will determine success. The Click Day is not just an administrative formality; it is a highly competitive gateway to long-term employment in Italy under the Decreto Flussi 2026.